Songs From The Road (CD + DVD) By Dana Fuchs

To truly understand the heart and soul of a musician, you need to see him or her live. A lot can be done in the studio to mask weaknesses but in concert the artist stands naked and what you see and hear is what you get.

Dana Fuchs has released three studio albums since 2003 and played the part of Sadie in the 2007 film Across The Universe. She has now released her first live album, Songs From The Road, as a two-disc CD + DVD set. Backed by a tight backing band of co-songwriter/guitarist Jon Diamond, guitarist Matt Beck, bassist Jack Daley, keyboardist Pete Levin, drummer Joe Daley, and backing vocalists, The Screaming Sirens, the music crackles as she commands the stage.

While her studio albums have a lot to recommend them, it is on stage that she shines as she brings energy and passion to her music. Her interaction with the audience shows an artist who is comfortable on stage.

She draws material from each of her studio releases but concentrates heavily on her last album, Bliss Avenue. From acoustic to full rock mode, her voice intertwines with the music to create a memorable experience.

Her own creations such as “Bliss Avenue,” “How Did Things Get This Way,” “Set It On Fire,” and “Rodents In The Attic” have a vitality that extends beyond the studio versions. When you add in covers like the classic soul tune “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and The Beatles “Don’t Let Me Down” and you have a program that is both powerful and entertaining.

Dana Fuchs is building a career through hard work and constant touring, which seems to have paid off with Songs From The Road.